A man repeatedly stole from the same store when he turned to drugs to cope with difficulties in his life a court heard.

Daniel Quinn targeted the Huddersfield town centre branch of Wilkinsons three times between July and September.

He asked for a further six thefts to be taken into account when he appeared before Kirklees magistrates yesterday.

Quinn’s solicitor told how the 33-year-old would become dependant on class A substances during downward spirals in his life.

He avoided prison after magistrates heard how his family had since rallied round and offered him their support.

Vanessa Schofield, prosecuting, said that in the first offence at the New Street store on July 18 Quinn stole suncream worth ï¿½55. This was followed by a theft of razor blades on September 5.

On September 17 the store’s CCTV footage caught him taking a Karcher power cleaner worth £129.99.

Following his arrest Quinn, of Cromarty Avenue in Crosland Moor, tested positive for cocaine .

He appeared before magistrates in custody after failing to show up for a court hearing last week.

Sonia Kidd, mitigating, described Quinn’s lifestyle as ‘chaotic’. She said: “He has suffered for a number of years from mental health difficulties. When Mr Quinn finds himself in a lull he sets himself up on a spiral of self-destruction.”

Earlier this year Quinn had employment and accommodation. However, he lost these and found himself suffering from a depressive episode.

Mrs Kidd said: “He’s turned to the use of drugs because he lost his employment and he can’t fund the habit so he steals.”

Mrs Kidd said that Quin recently suffered from toxic poisoning and contacted his family.

“He describes himself as a baby and says he needs to surround himself with people who can nurture and support him.”

Magistrates sentenced Quinn to a community order for 12 months as a direct alternative to custody. This includes nine months of drug rehabilitation and a referral to the mental health services. He must also pay £60 victim surcharge.